The UVB Varanid debate !

[infernalis]

It should not take a rocket scientist to conclude that animals that have thrived for MILLIONS of years living in the tropics where the UV index is very high, leading a diurnal life and basking in a tropical sun shouldn't have a little UV in their lives.

What is the point in DENYING IT?? to save money?? if you can't afford a few extra dollars for some decent lighting, then Varanid keeping is not for you.....

We spend hundred upon hundreds, some of us thousands upon thousands of dollars in housing, feeding and maintaining these awesome animals, so a few more dollars for a metal halide lamp or two should in all reality be the least of your worries.

[murrindindi]

Originally Posted by infernalis

It should not take a rocket scientist to conclude that animals that have thrived for MILLIONS of years living in the tropics where the UV index is very high, leading a diurnal life and basking in a tropical sun shouldn't have a little UV in their lives.

What is the point in DENYING IT?? to save money?? if you can't afford a few extra dollars for some decent lighting, then Varanid keeping is not for you.....

We spend hundred upon hundreds, some of us thousands upon thousands of dollars in housing, feeding and maintaining these awesome animals, so a few more dollars for a metal halide lamp or two should in all reality be the least of your worries.

Hi Wayne, your two Savannah monitors have not had exposure to artificial (or real?) UVB or supplements for the last 22 months, I believe? I suggest instead of buying a couple of metal halide bulbs + ballasts you take your animals to a qualified and experienced vet and have blood tests done to determine their D3 levels. I think they are quite good candidates because they HAVE received a decent whole prey diet (even if at times too little in my personal opinion), proper temp and humidity ranges, etc. If they are deficient in that respect you can then suggest UVB exposure may indeed be beneficial/needed for captive Varanids kept otherwise "fully supported". Obviously this is just 2 animals, but it`s a start!